The UAE Ministry of Finance has unveiled ‘Retail Sukuk’, a groundbreaking new initiative that allows individuals, both citizens and residents, to invest directly in Shariah-compliant, government-backed Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk).

For the first time, everyday investors can now access these secure, sovereign-backed instruments through fractionalised digital investment platforms operated by participating UAE banks, with the minimum investment starting at just Dh4,000.

Empowering the community through smart, inclusive finance

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, said the ‘Retail Sukuk’ marks a new chapter in the nation’s financial journey.

“This initiative opens new horizons for citizens and residents to contribute to shaping the future through secure, government-backed investment instruments,” he said.

It transforms investment in government bonds into an accessible digital experience, empowering everyone to participate in long-term savings and national growth.”

What is T-Sukuk

The Ministry confirmed that the T-Sukuk are fully Shariah-compliant, previously available only to institutional investors. Now open to all UAE residents, they provide a secure and stable savings tool backed by the government, promoting financial literacy and responsible saving habits.

Linked to dirham-denominated, market-traded T-Sukuk, the Retail Sukuk give individuals access to the same sovereign-grade assets held by large investors, all via user-friendly digital platforms.

The Ministry will announce the first participating bank on November 3, with more details on registration and investment channels to follow.

A new era of financial empowerment

By bridging technology, inclusion, and Islamic finance, the Retail Sukuk initiative represents a major milestone in democratising investment opportunities, enabling every resident to participate in the UAE’s economic growth story safely and transparently.

Dubai is offering a major boost to investors eyeing the city’s next wave of hospitality hotspots. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a new incentive programme designed to encourage hotel development in future high-growth areas, including Dubai South, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Parks, and Dubai Islands.

The initiative follows the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No. (68) of 2025 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

100% rebate

Under the programme, new hotels, resorts, and hotel apartments that meet DET’s criteria will be reimbursed 100% of the Dubai Municipality fee on room sales and the Tourism Dirham fee for two years after opening, a move aimed at accelerating investment and expanding Dubai’s hospitality footprint.

“The launch of this hotel incentive programme marks an important new phase in the development of Dubai’s hospitality ecosystem,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (part of DET). 

“It supports our goal of making Dubai the best city to visit, live, work and invest in.”

Strengthening a Record-Breaking Hospitality Sector

The announcement follows an impressive run for Dubai’s tourism sector. In the first eight months of 2025, the city welcomed 12.54 million international overnight visitors, marking a 5% year-on-year increase, and achieved 29.03 million occupied room nights. Hotel occupancy stood at 78.5%, ranking among the highest globally and two percentage points higher than the same period in 2024.

Streamlined Application and Regulatory Oversight

The DET will manage all investor applications and ensure compliance with Decree No. (17) of 2013, which governs the licensing and classification of hotel establishments in Dubai. Eligible projects must commence operations within three years of application to qualify for the incentive.

Investors can contact the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism at +971 600 55 55 59 for application details.

The stage is set for one of the most significant India–Middle East business dialogues of the decade, as the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) 2025 Conclave prepares to open in India this November, offering, according to organisers, a $10–50 billion sustainability and investment opportunity for Gulf-based leaders.

Scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the two-day conclave will bring together senior representatives from government entities, sovereign funds, and the private sector across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC region. 

The event is organised by the BCKIC Foundation, supported by the Government of Odisha’s Department of Energy, under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Themed around “The Next Wave of Sustainability Policy and Investment Flows”, the summit seeks to bridge India’s rapidly expanding green economy, valued at over $165 billion, with the Middle East’s capital, innovation and policy frameworks under Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071.

“This is not just another global summit, it’s a strategic inflection point for India–Middle East collaboration,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman of the BCKIC Foundation.

“From green hydrogen and water security to circular economy and AI-driven sustainability, the synergies between India’s innovation scale and the Gulf’s execution capacity are unparalleled. Missing this window could mean losing the first-mover advantage in shaping global sustainability frameworks.”

A New Era of India–Middle East Sustainability Partnership

The conclave comes at a pivotal moment for both regions. Following India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and the UAE’s hosting of COP28, both nations have emerged as global voices in sustainability transition and climate finance.

Dr. Suar noted that the conclave will act as a strategic platform for Gulf leaders to consolidate their role within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also gaining access to India’s technology, research, and policy innovation ecosystem.

“Gulf sovereign funds now control over $2 trillion in assets and are increasingly looking for sustainable, high-return projects,” he said. 

“India’s innovation and affordability, combined with the Middle East’s capital and implementation speed, make this partnership an unprecedented opportunity to move from commitment to concrete outcomes.”

Access to Proven Technologies and MoU-Ready Projects

Middle Eastern delegates will gain direct access to Indian policymakers and experts from NITI Aayog, DST, and the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, with discussions focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The event will also unveil a pipeline of over 50 proven Indian technologies relevant to Gulf market needs, ranging from water management systems to digital smart-city solutions, many of which have demonstrated cost efficiencies of 30–50% compared to Western alternatives.

The BCKIC Foundation confirmed that the conclave is structured to deliver tangible outcomes, with more than 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) already in advanced stages of preparation. The targeted projects are expected to offer internal rates of return (IRR) between 15% and 25%, appealing to investors seeking both profitability and environmental impact.

Odisha: A Live Model for Sustainable Urban Innovation

The conclave will take place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing hubs for renewable energy and smart cities. The venue itself will serve as a live showcase of sustainable urban development, featuring zero-waste hospitality, circular economy practices, and local sourcing models.

Organisers say the event is designed to foster lasting bilateral frameworks that will drive long-term cooperation between India and the Middle East across sustainability, technology transfer, and impact investment.

“This is the decade of decisive climate action and cross-regional collaboration,” Dr Suar added. 

“The BCKIC 2025 Conclave will not just discuss ideas but catalyse partnerships that define the global sustainability roadmap for years to come.”